The National Park Service (NPS) has joined with the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to establish an innovative partnership called Energy SmartPARKS. This partnership will showcase sustainable energy practices in national parks and inspire a green energy future for America.
See a list of the Energy SmartPARKS proposed projects here.
The Energy SmartPARKS program will include such efforts as conducting energy audits, retrofitting lighting, replacing windows and furnaces, upgrading meters and thermostats, purchasing electric utility vehicles, and studying the feasibility of installing wind power.
When you consider the soot buildup, the dusty or poorly lubricated fans, the flickering pilot lights, and those loose fan belts, they can add hundreds to your heating costs each year. I recommend getting your furnace tuned up regularly. The maintenance can do wonders for both your wallet, not to mention your overall comfort. Your system should be serviced every two to three years and to make it even more efficient, prevent heated air from leaking into your attic or crawl spaces by sealing your ductwork with mastic duct sealant-a nontoxic, paint-on material-or foil-backed tape. Doing so will reduce your home's air leakage and could save you a bundle in heating and cooling bills.
Cost: $100 (mastic and tape) Payback: one heating season.
Sure, it's romantic, but when comes right down to it, your fireplace is an energy hog. As one of the most energy inefficient features of your home it eats about 24,000 cubic feet of nice furnace warmed air each hour and spits it out the top of the chimney (Department of Energy). And as a bonus the air is replaced by cold air that comes in the opposite direction through the same opening, causing your furnace to work extra hard to keep your house nice and toasty. Yet, we love gathering round a warm hearth with a nice cup of hot chocolate as much as the next guy. Just remember to turn the thermostat down a little when you use it. Also, crack a window in the room where the fireplace is located and then close the door, so it doesn't suck too much warm air from the rest of the house.
Cost: $0. Payback: Immediate.
Gary N Smith/ASHI/ICC Code Certified, Electronic Reports within 24 hours. Energy Efficient Construction and Inspections for 34 Years 1-877-809-6139 toll free. www.garynsmith.net Ridgeland/Madison/MS
I have been in the construction and real estate inspection business for over 34 years in Metro Jackson. I provide construction phase inspections, home inspections, quality control inspections, rental property evaluations, FHA and 203K inspections, and construction management for clients all over central Mississippi.
Gary Smith-601-454-5559
Toll Free 1-877-809-6139
Energy Efficient Inspections - NABH Green Building Verifier - State of Mississippi
ICC Certification - Residential Building Inspector - New Home Specialist
FHA 203K Certified - HUD Approved Compliance Inspector
Bonded Builder Warranty Inspector - Construction Stage/Phase and Quality Assurance Inspector
Mold - Radon
Custom Home Construction and Remodeling Consultant
Being in the residential construction industry, I am very familiar with standard construction practices as well as the various things to look for when purchasing a home. Even with my knowledge and experience, I would never consider
purchasing a home without first having a qualified home inspector conduct a thorough inspection. I specifically chose Gary Smith as my inspector because not only is he a highly qualified home inspector, but he has also been building houses in the Jackson area for over 30 years. Gary's home building experience combined with his knowledge as a home inspector sets him apart from most home inspectors. He is not only able to recognize potential problems, but has first hand experience in repairing those types of problems and is therefore much better qualified to give accurate and complete details regarding the required scope of work to make the necessary repairs. Gary's knowledge and expertise during the home inspection process is invaluable to anyone who is considering purchasing a home.
Philip Carter
Jackson, MS
Thank you for your prompt response and helping me with my home inspection. I really appreciate all that you had to offer and recommend to help me keep my new home up to date as well as safe for myself in the future. I will definitely keep
you in mind and refer you to my friends and family that might need your assistance and expertise in the future.
Leigha Herndon
Pearl, MS
Thank you so much for your very professional home inspection report. I was so impressed by your knowledge, web site, and your ability to explain unfamiliar terms to me in a way I could understand. I will be sure to refer my friends to you. Thank you
again.
Marion Reid
Meridian, MS
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